Introduction to Behavior Modification (Chapter 1)

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1: definitions, assumptions, how behavior is explained, steps in behavior modification, and areas of application.

What is the working definition of Behavior Modification?

The applied science and professional practice concerned with analyzing and modifying human behavior.

What are the three ways to explain behavior mentioned in Chapter 1?

The environment (external events and forces), personal characteristics (internal forces like willpower or traits), and the person-environment interaction (the behavior depends on the situation and the skills the person has).

What does the environment refer to in behavior explanations?

Events outside the person such as stars, luck, fate, other people, or the situation.

What are 'personal characteristics' in behavior explanations?

Forces inside the person such as willpower or personality traits.

What does 'the person and environment interact' mean?

The person’s behavior changes depending on the situation and the skills the person has to deal with that situation.

How does Skinner view the control of behavior?

Behavior is controlled by events in the immediate environment and is a product of what has been learned through trial and error; the environment rewards or punishes the behavior.

What did Freud attribute temper tantrums to according to the notes?

Underlying or 'hidden' causes such as sexual or aggressive conflicts with his parents; repressed feelings.

What term did Skinner use to describe Freud’s explanations?

Explanatory fictions.

What is Step #1 in Behavior Modification?

Analyze behavior: identify the functional relationship between environmental events and the specific behavior, identify the controlling variables, and determine why the behavior occurred.

What is Step #2 in Behavior Modification?

Modify behavior: develop and implement procedures to change the controlling variables by altering environmental events.

What is the 'Target behavior'?

Behavior selected for change (e.g., eating with a fork).

What does it mean that 'Behavior is lawful'?

Behavior is governed by the person-environment interaction; reward good behavior, don't accidentally reward bad behavior; punish some but mildly; be consistent.

What is the difference between overt and covert behavior?

Overt behavior is observable and recordable by others; covert behavior is not readily observable by others.

What are the dimensions used to describe behavior?

Duration (how long it lasts), Frequency (how often it occurs), and Intensity (the physical effort involved).

What is an example of a target behavior?

Eating with a fork.

What does it mean that behavior definitions should be clear, concise, and objective?

It produces a scientific way of observing and recording behavior.

What does behavior modification focus on changing?

Procedures change behaviors, NOT personal characteristics or traits.

What is the example of a target behavior mentioned in the notes?

Eating with a fork (for a child learning to eat).

What areas are included in the 'Areas of Application' for Behavior Modification?

Developmental disabilities, mental illness, education and special education, rehabilitation, community psychology, clinical/counseling psychology, business/human services, self-management, child behavior management, prevention, sports performance, health-related behaviors, gerontology.

What does ABA stand for, and how is it related to Behavior Modification?

Applied Behavior Analysis; it is synonymous with Behavior Modification.

What is the general assumption about environmental events and behavior ( relating to Step 1 and Step 2)?

Behavior is controlled by events in the immediate environment, not underlying causes.

What is a common critique of relying solely on willpower to explain behavior?

Overemphasis on internal commitment; ignores environmental factors; the idea that 'People take action, if they want to' is insufficient.